Housetraining Your Shih Tzu - Introduction

Although Shih Tzu’s shouldn’t be attributed to having human characteristics (although we do love to do that with our cute little Shih Tzu’s), they are intelligent enough to be able to understand the concept of, and execute, certain actions that their owners require of them; i.e. if these actions are asked in a way that dogs find rewarding.

So, with this rule in mind, we as owners have to be clever as well and find a way of training our Shih Tzu that actually works quickly and efficiently.

The best way to achieve this ideal is by knowing how to speak “dog” so that we’re able to communicate effectively with our four-legged friend.

As with any training, the best time to start is as soon as you get your new Shih Tzu.

The fundamentals for successful house-training are:

• Crate training is very important so it should be mastered.

• A schedule is required for feeding and exercising.

• Be vigilant and patient throughout the training period.

House training is most likely every dog owner’s top concern.

And it should begin as soon as possible.

That’s the very first day your dog comes into your home.

If you’ve adopted a new furry friend and spend months in the home without aiding him/her achieve success when it comes to training then s/he’s going to set a precedence that you now need to change.

So, concentrate on prevention as opposed to cure.

House training comes down to one rather simple skill – being a good dog time manager.

And this means managing your pup’s time so that you let them have as few chances as possible to make house training blunders.

Continue to read and learn why dog training is essential, and 2 key aspects to house-training your Shih Tzu.

Why Dog Training is Essential

Honestly, an untrained Shih Tzu can be a real pain – a risk to himself, his owner and to other people and animals.

Owning an undisciplined dog may result in:

• Destruction to your home

• Social isolation

• Accidents

• Injuries

• Legal claims against you

• Stress to all concerned

• The dog being unwanted

Shih Tzu’s that always get their own way will believe that life revolves around them and for that reason they must be important.

Since dogs are looking for controlling different resources than humans, their bid for power usually goes undetected until it’s too late.

Obedience and house training your dog and ensuring he’s not raised to a top position inside the home will keep your relationship with him well-balanced in your favor, as it must be for satisfaction all round.

First Key Aspect – Safety First

Not only can it be very inconvenient to own an untrained and disobedient Shih Tzu, but it also can severely have an effect on your health (and that of third parties), social status and financial situation, and often leads to the dog being re-homed, or sometimes abandoned, through no fault of his own.

Common injuries suffered by dog owners are those sustained in the home or out on walks due to their dog barging into them, pulling them along, or being aggressive.

Third-party injuries result from people being injured as a result of off-lead Shih Tzu’s ignoring their owners’ recall commands and chasing them, and also through dogs running on to roads and causing traffic accidents.

This leads to claims by those third parties pursuing dog owners for injuries and/or damages caused.

Not only does an untrained Shih Tzu put humans, and indeed other animals, at risk, but he is at risk of injury and even death himself- either from injuries sustained while out of control, or because of being destroyed due to his owners being unable to cope with him and no one else being willing to adopt a Shih Tzu delinquent.

Next let’s discuss the second key aspect to house-training your Shih Tzu

Second Key Aspect – Be Patient

Shih Tzus are notoriously difficult to house train.

It may take as long as eight months before a Shih Tzu fully understands what is expected of him.

Do not be discouraged.

Even if you’re still having accidents after a few months, be persistent and strict about your training schedule.

Eventually, your Shih Tzu should understand and obey the rules.

So, Why Should You Do It?

Lots of us can’t imagine life without their Shih Tzu.

We appreciate and love them for their loyalty, unconditional affection, playful exuberance and love of life.

Nonetheless, dogs and people are very diverse creatures.

Although officially “man’s best friend,” Shih Tzu’s (dogs) have some naive but irksome habits – like jumping up to welcome, barking, digging and chewing- that can make it utterly challenging to live with them.

To make the most of your rapport with your dog, you have to teach him a number of important skills that can help him live harmoniously in a human household.

Finding out how to train your dog will transform your and his life, improve the bond between you, and ensure his safety.